PRE & POST CRUISE

PILGRIMAGE DESTINATIONS

SIMPLY ITALY

A classic tour covering the highlights of this superb destination – it has everything! From Lake Garda in the north to Naples in the south this tour gives you an overview of some of the best sights to see and experience.

DAY

1

Milan – Lake Garda - Venice

Arrive at Milan airport and travel east towards Venice and the Veneto region.

Make our first stop on the southern shores of stunning lake Garda at pretty Sirmione. From here take a scenic trip by private boat to see the best of the Sirmione - from the blue waters of the lake – the stylish villa of famous opera singer Maria Callas, the bubbling waters of the thermal springs and views of ancient Roman Villa of Catullus.

Carry on to the extraordinary “floating” city of Venice and your overnight hotel.

DAY

2

Venice

Today is for soaking up some of the splendid atmosphere of this beautiful city with a morning walking tour of the major sights including the Rialto Bridge and St Mark’s Square, with its beautiful Basilica, Doge’s Palace and iconic bell-tower. In the afternoon perhaps take a ride on one of the city’s famous black Gondolas and a visit to one of the traditional glass factories to see how this unique product is made before dinner and returning to the hotel.

Overnight in Venice.

DAY

3

Pisa & The Home of Ferrari

Leave Venice this morning and head south towards Tuscany. En route today make a stop at Maranello, home of the famous Italian sports and Formula 1 racing car – FERRARI. Visit the Ferrari museum to see up close some of these exciting cars and interactive displays!

A your special request we can also arrange a private visit to the Ferrari factory to see skilled craftsmen at work and gain a more exclusive insight into one of the worlds most famous car brands!

Continue on into Tuscany and make another stop this time to see the iconic Leaning Tower ofPisa – a must for any visit to Italy.

Enjoy a short drive through the delightful Tuscan countryside to the stunning medieval jewel that is the city of Florence.

Overnight in Florence.

DAY

4

Florence

After breakfast enjoy a walking tour of this beautiful Renaissance city in the company of a guide who will introduce you some of its famous sights including Piazza Signoria, the spectacular Duomo and Giotto’s Bell-tower as well as the beautiful Ponte Vecchio bridge across the Arno river. In the afternoon there’s time for some exploration – of course you can take in the UffiziGallery or Michaelangelo’s David, or perhaps make a visit to one of the quirkier museums in this city of Renaissance art by visiting the Ferragamo Shoe Museum or participating a cooking class to learn how to make genuine Italian Pizza and Ice-cream.

Overnight in Florence.

DAY

5

Chianti and Designer shopping

After breakfast leave for a shopping trip with a difference. Drive first to the exclusive Florence Shopping Mall with its huge choice of top designer outlets including Armani, Gucci, Tod’s, Versace and Valentino. Then carry on for a relaxing and typically Tuscan lunch and visit to one of the nearby Chianti vineyards before returning to our hotel in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Florence.

DAY

6

Siena - Rome

After breakfast leave Florence and head south making a stop en route to see one of Italy’s most beautiful medieval hilltop towns – Siena for the Palio horse-race around probably the most perfect medieval square in the whole of Europe – Piazza del Campo.

Continue south through the pretty rolling hills of Chianti and Umbria to Italy’s glorious capital, the “Eternal City” of Rome.

Overnight in Rome.

DAY

7

Rome and the Vatican State

In the company of a local guide today begin a short tour by coach to get an overview of some of the most famous sights including the heart of Ancient Rome – the Colosseum and Circus Maximus where the gladiators and charioteers would compete. Continue on foot to see the Spanish Steps, stopping to throw 3 coins in the Trevi Fountain - as tradition demands - and marvel at the ancient Roman Pantheon and beautiful Piazza Navona with its superb marble fountains. After a day of incredible sightseeing finish with a special Gladiator performance and dinner!

Overnight in Rome.

DAY

8

Tivoli and Hadrian’s Villa

A day for exploring The Vatican and St Peter’s Basilica or for shopping and enjoying some people-watching in one of the cities beautiful piazza’s. Perhaps join our local guide today for a visit to the town of Tivoli, wonderfully situated on a hill to the east of the city and famous for the Villa D’Este with its stunning gardens and fountains. Here visit the archaeological site of the Roman Emperor Hadrian’s villa.

Overnight in Rome.

DAY

9

Head for the airport for your return flight or extend the stay and see so much more!

Pompeii & Naples

Leave Rome today and travel south to Naples, home of that most famous of Italian culinary inventions – The Pizza.! Before arriving we visit one of Italy’s most famous sites – the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Pompeii. The city was buried during the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD and the streets, shops and piazza have remained “frozen” in time. It is a must for any visit to Italy. This evening enjoy a pizza in one of Naples’ many superb pizzerie!

DAY

10

The Island of Capri

Travel by boat across the bay of Naples to the stunning island of Capri renowned as a holiday destination for the rich and famous from Hollywood to Bollywood! In the company of our expert local guide start in Marina Grande and take the funicular to the village of Capri itself where you will find the famous Piazzetta complete with designer shops and exclusive hotels. A short walk from here with a stunning views of the Faraglioni rocks. From here take a 20 minute open-taxi-ride to the pretty village of Anacapri high above, with magnificent views of the island, the volcano Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples.

DAY

11

The Amalfi Coast

Today explore one of Europe’s most spectacular cornice roads towards the Amalfi Coast. Begin with a stop in the bustling resort of Sorrento before taking the winding road which hugs the cliffs past beautiful Positano we arrive in the pretty village of Amalfi itself. From here make our way back to Naples after enjoying a typical Neapolitan lunch with mozzarella cheese.